This document provides tips for preparing an effective resume. It discusses including an objective, education, work experience, accomplishments, and references on a resume. Key recommendations include using bullet points to describe duties, highlighting quantifiable achievements, and customizing the resume for each job application. The document also provides dos and don'ts for resume formatting, writing style, and content to create a strong self-promotional document.
2. A resume is a written compilation of your education, work experience,
credentials and accomplishments and is used to apply for jobs.
A resume is just like an ad -- you want to target it to the audience. You have to
find out what the company is looking for, and then match your skills up.
A resume is just like an ad -- you want to target it to the audience. You have to find
out what the company is looking for, and then match your skills up.
The goal of your resume is to get you an interview, not to be a chronology of your
work history. To achieve this in today’s competitive job market, it needs to be
strong, clear, and focused. It should motivate employers to want to meet you and
discuss employment possibilities.
3. There are three main reasonsThere are three main reasons
for a resume:for a resume:
• To introduce yourself to the employer
• To promote your knowledge, skills,
abilities, and accomplishments
• To obtain an interview
A well-written resume will produce
results. Individuals often spend a
considerable amount of time
focusing on what needs to be in the
resume rather than how it is written.
Both are equally important .
4. Three Basic Steps for Writing a
Good
1. Be Strong
2. Be As Clear As Possible
3. Go Right To The Point
5. Be Strong Remember:Be Strong Remember:
A resume is a self-promotional document that represents you in the best
possible light for the purpose of getting invited to a job interview. It’s about
YOU, and how you performed and what you accomplished in those past
jobs-especially those accomplishments that are most relevant to the work
you want to do next. A good resume predicts how you might perform in
that desired future job.
6. Be Clear Job Objective -Be Clear Job Objective -
Compose a clearly stated Job Objective using a minimum number of words.
If not sure, ask yourself, “ what do I want to do?” Be clear and concise in
your job descriptions. This helps make it easier for the employer to
understand.
7. Go Right To The PointGo Right To The Point
Be sure to emphasize the outcomes and accomplishments you have achieved
at prior jobs. After your layout put the accomplishment that your prospective
employer will notice the most. Quantify your accomplishments. Potential
employers are looking for results-oriented employees who save time and
reduce costs. Never include job duties on your resume if you cannot follow
them up with the result that was produced.
8. Writing Tips
When preparing your resume, make sure it’s SHARP:
• Succinct: The writing in your resume should be concise, succinct, and to the point. Use
proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation in your writing.
• Honest: You resume needs to be factually accurate, including dates of employment,
education completed, job titles, and skills possessed.
9. • Attractive: Your resume should be visually appealing to the eye. Make sure it is neat,
organized, and consistent. Ensure you use enough “white space” by setting your margins at .
5" or greater and providing ample space between sections.
• Right: A resume should reflect who you are and your professional experiences. This does not
mean it should be laden with unnecessary graphics or inappropriate personal information; it
means you should feel comfortable using it to represent yourself as a candidate.
• Pertinent: Your resume and the way it is organized should be relevant to the position. For
example, you may need to make adjustments to your resume when applying for a position as
an accountant versus a position as a project manager.
10. Components of a ResumeComponents of a Resume
Name and address
• Include home address; do not list work
• Include email address
• Include home and cellular phone number
11. Career Objective
• This is an optional component to your resume
• One or two sentences
• Target your desired job or field of employment
• Be careful—this statement can be limiting
• Make sure you do not over generalize
• Avoid phrases such as “challenging, rewarding career.” All employers would hope that
someone wants a challenging and rewarding career!
• Example: "A position in the advertising field utilizing my communication skills."
12. Education
• List degree, institution, location, and date of completion
• Include minor, certificates, certifications, skill-based training, etc.
• Do not include high school
13. Related Work Experience
• Cite position title, organization, dates, location
• Give a brief description of primary responsibilities
• Use action verbs in your description; quantify where possible
• Stress accomplishments and related skills
• If professional experiences are more than 15 years old, just list title, organization,
dates, location; do not include description
14. Professional Activities/Associations
• College- or community-related activities
• Include positions held
• Describe your accomplishments and honors
• List presentations, publications, papers, etc.
15. Cover Letters
When you submit your resume for a position, you will want to have a cover letter
accompany it. A well-crafted cover letter may make the difference between getting a
job interview and having your application ignored, so it makes sense to take the time
to write a thoughtful cover letter for each application.
There are three main purposes of a cover letter:
• Inquire about position openings
• Answer a job advertisement
• Request a personal interview
16.
17. A cover letter should complement, not duplicate, your resume. The goal of the cover
letter is to clarify and interpret the facts of the resume and to highlight experiences and
competencies that relate to the position for which you are applying. A cover letter is
often your initial written contact with a potential employer, creating a critical first
impression.
There are some important things to keep in mind:
• Neatness counts
• Use the same style font and paper as your resume
• Address the letter to a specific person
• State the position and how you qualify
• Be clear and brief
18. ReferencesReferences
There are some things to consider:
• Maintain a list of references you can use. You will want to present various references
depending upon the position and employer you are pursuing.
• Provide a reference sheet listing former supervisors, coworkers, vendors, or other contacts
from work
• List the name of the reference, title, organization, address, and phone number. Be sure you
provide the appropriate salutation (e.g., Dr., Ms.)
• Many employers will not be interested in reference letters although it is a good idea to have
some. Ask a reference to write a letter stating the relationship with you and to speak about
your knowledge, skills, and abilities.
19. Resume Format Do’s
Use a chronological resume. If applying by e-mail, use a List your most recent
job first simple font and send in plain followed by your additional text or ASCII
format. work experience in reverse order, then your education.
Use bulleted statements, not paragraphs, to describe your job duties.
If applying by email, use a simple text and send in plain format
20. Resume Format Don’tsResume Format Don’ts
• Resume Format Don’ts Don’t use gimmicks. Use Don’t include an objective on professional
easy to read your resume, unless it is typeface, white or ivory bond written specifically for
the paper, and black ink.
• position for which you are applying. Don’t list references or state: “References available on
request.” Interviewers assume that you will provide references when asked.
• Don’t include an objective on resume , unless it is specifically for the position you are
applying.
21. Writing Style Do’s
• Writing Style Do’s Since many companies screen Use your computer’s spell resumes by
computer, use key check function, but don’t words from the job description count on it to
find every typo Or classified in your resume.
• Remember, the computer can’t tell the difference between words like “too” and “to.”
Proofread carefully.
22. Writing Style Don’tsWriting Style Don’ts
• Don’t use “I,” the first person pronoun, in your resume.
• It is understood. Don’t use lofty language, long sentences or big words.
• Don’t overuse professional jargon or abbreviations.
• Don’t use puns or clever wordplays.
23. Resume Content Do’sResume Content Do’s
• Be accurate and truthful.
• Include outside activities only if they relate directly to the job for which you are
applying .
• Describe your significant contributions at each of your jobs. List all the computer
hardware, software and databases you know.
• Customize your resume for each prospective employer.
24. Resume Content Don’tsResume Content Don’ts
• Resume Content Don’ts Don’t misrepresent your education or experience .
• Don’t include personal information such as height, weight, social security number, social
activities of religious philosophies.
• Don’t give reasons for termination or leaving a job.
• Don’t use exact dates. Months and years are sufficient.
• Don’t provide salary information in the resume . If an ad request a salary range include it in
your cover letter. Otherwise don’t mention it until the interview
25. TIPSTIPS
• Don’t rehash your resume. If you will be available for work on a certain date, the cover letter
is the place to mention it.
• Always double-check the name and title of the person receiving your letter and resume. Do
this by calling the firm’s main phone number.